Regional Impact of Covid-19 on Kidney Transplant in the Southeast

C. Jay¹, B. Sharda¹, R. Helmick², R. Forbes³, V. Casingal⁴, R. Stratta¹

¹Wake Forest Baptist Health, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Winston-Salem, NC, ²University of Tennessee Health Science Center, James Eason Transplant Institute, Memphis, TN, ³Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Nashville, TN, ⁴Atrium Health, Division of Transplant Surgery, Charlotte, NC

Meeting: 2021 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 1265

Keywords: Kidney transplantation, Outcome, Public policy, Waiting lists

Topic: Clinical Science » Organ Inclusive » Non-Organ Specific: Disparities to Outcome and Access to Healthcare

Session Information

Session Name: Non-Organ Specific: Disparities to Outcome and Access to Healthcare

Session Type: Poster Abstract

Session Date & Time: None. Available on demand.

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: Despite categorization of kidney transplantation as Tier 3b with guidelines against postponing, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been profound but geographically diverse. We examined the variable impact of the pandemic on local waitlist, mortality, and transplant rates in the Southeast and the potential relationship with local disease burden.

*Methods: Using SRTR data, we analyzed changes pre- and post-COVID by individual donation service area (DSA) in the Southeast, and compared this with state COVID case rates and deaths per 100,000 population according to CDC data.

*Results: The highest COVID case rates occurred in TN while death rates were highest in MS [Table 1]. The largest declines in new kidney listings post-COVID occurred in ALOB and TNMS (both 38%) with MSOP having the smallest decline (9%) despite a high COVID case rate; SCOP had an increase (14%). Waitlist mortality varied greatly from a high of 80% in NCCM to a 19% decrease in TNMS. Transplant rates decreased in most DSAs, but great variation occurred from a 44% decline in NCCM to a 38% increase in TNMS.

*Conclusions: There was large variability in new kidney listing, transplant rates, and waitlist mortality according to DSA in the Southeast. These changes did not directly correlate with COVID case and death rates. These findings suggest a complex interplay between population health disparities, racial demographics and urban vs rural local populations.

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Jay C, Sharda B, Helmick R, Forbes R, Casingal V, Stratta R. Regional Impact of Covid-19 on Kidney Transplant in the Southeast [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2021; 21 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/regional-impact-of-covid-19-on-kidney-transplant-in-the-southeast/. Accessed May 11, 2025.

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